Known as the "Black Metropolis" in the 1950's, Bronzeville flourished in culture and commerce during the early 20^th century. It started declining after the elimination of the restrictive housing covenants allowed African Americans to move out of the neighborhood, often to less crowded conditions or areas providing opportunities in other parts of the city or suburbs. As a result, local businesses lost their customers to well-capitalized downtown and suburban competitors. By 2000, Bronzeville had lost more than 75 percent of its population, leaving nearly one-third of its housing stock vacant or abandoned. The neighborhood saw a resurgence in residential housing construction in the mid 1990's when home-buyers were drawn by Bronzville's less expensive homes, gracious boulevards, and proximity to downtown and the Lake. But this housing boom was not accompanied by retail investments, and today most commercial corridors are lined with boarded-up buildings or flattened empty lots.

Convinced that this area must be revitalized, the Bronzeville Alliance is now spearheading a Retail Development Initiative (RDI) and has reached out to CMAP, among other planning agencies, to help plan for land use and retail development.  CMAP's LTA staff are helping the Alliance to engage the City, community residents, and other stakeholders in a planning project that will result in the drafting of land use plan along with zoning recommendations to guide strategic investment and achieve optimal configuration of retail along 43^rd, 47^th and 51^st streets. The project builds on an earlier effort by MPC Bronzeville Task Force, that produced a  report advocating for a transit-focused retail development strategy that will direct investments near transit stations and on strategic nodes along the three corridors. Once agreed upon by the stakeholders, CMAP will work with the City of Chicago Department of Housing and Economic Development towards adoption of the recommendations by the City Council.

Existing Conditions Report

To review the draft existing conditions report, please click here. 

Partners

• The Bronzeville Alliance
• CMAP
• City of Chicago Department of Housing and Economic Development
• Chicago Transit Authority
• Metropolitan Planning Council

Bronzeville Retail Partner Reports

• Developing Vibrant Retail in Bronzeville (Metropolitan Planning Council 2012)

Events

Community Open House
Time & Location TBD
 

Contacts

Leana B. Flowers, Bronzeville Alliance (leana.flowers01@gmail.com or 773-986-0319)

Kendra Smith, CMAP Associate-Outreach & Community Engagement, (ksmith@cmap.illinois.gov or 312-386-8775)